Sakai Sake Brewery (Iwakuni City, Yamaguchi Prefecture) -Practicing “Sake Brewing Begins with Rice Cultivation” Through an Agricultural Corporation

■Using "ultra-soft water" drawn from a well 40 meters underground as brewing water

Sakai Shuzo was founded in 1871. As a local sake brewery in Yamaguchi Prefecture, they remain committed to using local rice, water, and people in their sake brewing.

All the rice they use is grown in Yamaguchi Prefecture. They strive to secure high-quality sake rice, such as by starting contract cultivation of the king of sake rice, “Yamada Nishiki,” early on.
In 2015, they established the agricultural production corporation “Gokyo Nōten” with the goals of preserving rice paddies and contributing to the local community. By having their employees cultivate rice themselves, they put into practice the principle that “sake brewing begins with rice cultivation.”

This company also places great emphasis on water, which accounts for approximately 80% of sake.
The water we draw from the well 40 meters underground is "super soft water" with a hardness of 1.6. This soft water is used to produce a soft and fragrant liquor.

In addition, in order to maximize the appeal of rice and water grown by the climate of Yamaguchi Prefecture, sake brewing is done by local people.

■ Get new fans with modern sake with refreshing acidity

The representative brand is "Gokyo"(Five Bridges), which is characterized by an elegant, gentle aroma derived from soft water and a fine flavor.
The style of Sakai Sake Brewery is to actively adopt new technology and the latest trends while respecting the tradition. In recent years, they also have a modern taste of sake with a refreshing sour taste. They are expanding the base of fans with a wide lineup.

The name Gokyo(Five Bridges) is derived from the five-reng warp bridge "Kintaikyo".
Kintaikyo Bridge, one of Japan's Three Famous Bridges with over 300 years of history, is an artistic structure that captivates tourists worldwide. The name “Gokyo” was chosen with the wish that this sake would serve as a bridge connecting hearts, just like the bridge itself.

■Outstanding pairing with BBQ and fried chicken recognized in Australian competition

While Japanese cuisine is often thought of as the perfect pairing for sake, Sakai Sake Brewery's sake also pairs exceptionally well with Western-style meat dishes.

Their pairing with meat dishes has been internationally proven through consecutive awards at the Australian Sake Awards.
This award is a sake competition judged by blind tasting from Australian professionals including sommeliers and certified sake specialists. Its defining feature is its focus on “selecting sake preferred in the Australian market.” Starting in 2024, it introduced a “Food Pairing Judging” category that evaluates how well the sake complements dishes favored by Australians.

In 2024, Sakai Sake Brewery entered “Five Yellow Junmai Daiginjo White Koji” and “ride? White Junmai Daiginjo White koji 46” into this competition. Both won the Recommended Food Matching Award in the BBQ Aussie Beef Steak with Salt and Pepper category.

"Five Yellow Junmai White Koji” boasts an exquisite balance of refreshing citric acidity and sweetness, while “Ride? White Junmai Daiginjo White Koji 46” is a masterpiece where malic and citric acids stand out. Both were highly praised for their exceptional pairing with Australia's signature BBQ style: steak seasoned simply with salt and pepper.

In 2025, “Gokyo Tokusen Honjozo” won the Recommended Food Matching Award in the Fried Chicken/Karaage category.
Gokyo Tokusen Honjozo is characterized by its slightly dry profile and balanced blend of lightness and richness. Its ability to enhance the juicy umami of fried chicken and karaage while refreshingly cutting through greasiness earned high praise, ultimately securing its award.

■ Recommended Items

Gokyo Junmai Daiginjo Kintai

This junmai daiginjo offers a fruity and elegant ginjo aroma, a delicate flavor, and a water-like mouthfeel. Crafted with the king of sake rice, Yamada Nishiki, luxuriously polished to 35%. Meticulously brewed by hand, it is Sakai Sake Brewery's finest offering, recommended with confidence.

Gokyo Junmai Ginjo

Local Yamaguchi Prefecture rice polished to 55%. Upon tasting, a gentle ginjo aroma and light, refreshing mouthfeel pleasantly unfold, followed by a rich umami flavor. This exceptional sake perfectly captures the essence of “Junmai Ginjo,” meaning “brewed with meticulous care.”

Gokyo Junmai Kioke-zukuri

This is a rare sake brewed in wooden barrels, a method rarely seen in modern times.
A gentle, rich cedar aroma is present, with a moderate acidity that beautifully harmonizes the rice's umami and sweetness. It won the Gold Prize at Japan's largest hot sake competition.

Gokyo Junmai

This junmai sake features a soft, light mouthfeel, with a slightly higher acidity providing a refreshing crispness.
Its refined and subtle aroma complements any type of dish. Gently warming it to around 40°C further enhances its delicious flavor.

[Sakai Sake Brewery Company Profile]

Address: 1-31, Nakazu-machi, Iwakuni-city, Yamaguchi
Access: About 10 minutes by car from JR Iwakuni Station, about 20 minutes by car from JR Shin-Iwakuni Station, about 15 minutes by car from Iwakuni IC on the Sanyo Expressway
Phone number: 0827-21-2177
Official website:https://www.gokyo-sake.co.jp/

* This article is machine translated from Japanese to other foreign languages